Changing your Coach or Business Systems?

My kids are convinced that NEW pencil crayons work better than old ones!!?  We go through the same 'dance' every fall with back to school supplies etc.  Every year I suggest sharpening the old ones.  The new products look better - have fancy new names - but, at the end of the day, a red pencil crayon (blazing red) is still a red pencil crayon.

Let's compare pencil crayons to the never ending supply of  Real Estate Coaching Products available on the market today.  As an agent, are you easily attracted to the new coaching - new systems - new software?  Assuming you currently have a system, or a business coaching program in place, consider the following;

I've attended countless Sales Rallies over the years, featuring many fabulous and effective Selling/Coaching Systems.  I've seen some agents switch coaches (literally) from rally to rally and have scratched my head about the possible reasons.  As you sit examining your business year-to-date (you should be doing this regularily by the way) analysing your effectiveness and goals reached thus far, don't be too quick to throw out your old red crayon if your numbers aren't what you'd hoped they'd be.  Look deeper.

How long have you been working your current system?  Have you given it enough time to work? How long should that be?  Some of us tend to give up too quickly and chase 'what's new and what's next'.

Does the potentially new program compliment what you are already doing?  Does it line up with what you personally believe in, and feel comfortable doing (as applied to your potential clients and growing your business) - because let's face it, if you don't feel comfortable 'door knocking' or 'cold calling' (for example) you ultimately won't do it.  How much of what you currently have in place will really change with a new program?  Is it a systems problem OR a motivational problem?  Could your work ethic be the problem?

The simple truth in sales, is that there's no quick fix or magic solution _ to be successful in sales it's hard work.  If you aren't working hard enough or smart enough now, a shiny 'new crayon' isn't going to colour any better for you in the future.

By the way, if you don't currently have a system - then you need one (review paragraph 5 above).  Decide what you enjoy most about this business and apply a program that allows you to maximize your 'likes'.  Coming to work (most days) :) loving what you do and being effective at doing it - will lead to success.

Happy Selling,
Corrie

End of Summer Checklist?

Okaaay the summer's winding down (1st day of school 'bout 2 weeks away) and perhaps you're mentally reviewing your 'kidz activities' checklist?  Some of you have 'been there-done that' years ago, and some won't have a clue what I'm referring to - my list kinda looks like this...
*  Wonderland
*  Beach
*  Cottage
*  Sporting events (Argos, Jays, Baycats)
*  CNE
*  etc.......

What the heck?!!  I'm certain that my kids have had a terrific summer, but for some reason I still feel compelled to entertain them (so as adults, they don't appear on Jerry Springer claiming their issues began with a sketchy childhood).  What I've found over the years is that sometimes the best and most valuable times my kids n I have spent, have involved quality time while enroute to an activity - and not always involving the expensive trappings of a national lampoon's family vacation. (for your clients and database that could equate to flyers, magnets, gifts, newsletters, notepads etc).

So my point is - aside from your 'items of value' your clients and database need some regular attention - but endeavour to make quality connections with them where possible.  Quick calls to see how they are doing (and actually listening to their answers) is worthwhile.  Touching base and reconnecting with your database is a nice way to ease out of the summer pace and into the fall - with lots of potential topics for conversation.

Start reconnecting with quality and sincerity!

By the way, I'm very aware that kids (and clients) are not always 'open' to dialogue - be patient - pick your moments - never give up!  (chuckle) Now, I'm off to Wonderland :)

Happy Selling,

Corrie

How to stay motivated over the 'summer holiday' season?

The good news is that our summer weather has been fabulous - but...  our market activity typically slows down as families set aside their housing priorities, and head for beaches, cottages, and backyard pools.

How do successful Realtors stay motivated and not grind to an fatal, and unproductive halt?  The trick is to adopt a 'baby steps' attitude.   Allowing your business to stall completely over the summer months will cause you more work in the fall - therefore plan your summer in advance - with a goal toward giving yourself a (hopefully) well deserved break - but as a minimum keep doing those small but essential activities that translate to loyal clients and business down the road.  Of course, continue to keep in touch with your clients, but keep it light - more relaxed and creative ways abound in the summer months .  Golf tournaments, city events (ie: Kempenfest) backyard neighbourhood BBQs, or charity fundraising events are great ways to bump into clients, or potential clients.  Attending these events are a fun way to network while enjoying the summer.  Meet new people - promote your services and have some fun!

Stay Safe and enjoy :)
Corrie

RE/MAX chay Annual Charity Golf Tournament 2010

Despite the surrounding natural disasters of the day (earthquakes tornadoes) Our group at RE/MAX chay managed to host a fun filled event, and at the same time raise money for the Seasons Centre for Grieving and Traumatized Children.  Golf skills were certainly not a prerequisite to participate in the event, and in some cases (read: scores) math skills were also questionable :)   A Great Day, Great Cause - thanks to all who participated in making the day such a success!! 

Click on the link below to watch some footage from the day

http://www.youtube.com/user/remaxchay#p/a/u/0/F1uZZZBzvWw

Our Board is up 100 sales over this time last year (year to date)

Does the title surprise you?  Those of us with school-aged children are perhaps even more aware of the fact that the summer has not yet begun- as I write this it's officially the first day of summer.  We've been lucky to have some early summer weather - unfortunately some Realtors are conducting their businesses as if they are already in a slower summer market.  While summer markets do tend to level off naturally, as many families are vacationing and home hunting gets put lower on the priority list - make no mistake - There are buyers out there looking.    I can tell you that within our offices the well-priced listings are still receiving multiple offers.  Our local (Barrie & District) real estate board stats indicate that we are in fact up approx. 100 sales year to date, as compared to last year - sales this year in the month of May contributed largely.  Interestingly, unit sales above the $250,000 price point are up this year, and unit sales below $250,000 are currently down (a reversal of 2009).

As you would expect, a slowdown in new home starts has been projected nationally for 2010.  Aside from the obvious economic slowdowns contributing to this - the new HST costs added on to new home construction will also have an impact, certainly in Ontario.  It will be interesting to see whether this has a positive effect on our resale market - particularily on the higher (over $400 K) priced new homes.  Remember, there are several new and existing input tax credits to be taken advantage of when building a new home - check with your builder (schedule A) - check with your lawyer - check with your accountant - doing your homework could save you $$

Of course we are not HST experts - however, as real estate professionals - we need to be aware of these existing conditions and refer our clients to those who are experts, in order to serve their best interests.

'The only things for certain are Death and Taxes'   -seems an even wiser saying these days doesn't it?

Corrie

Handling the Real Estate 'distractions'

The RE/MAX agents in our company with longevity and who thrive, have a very simple secret.  No matter what is happening in the market,  they consistently provide top quality service for their clients, and they consistently keep in regular touch with the families in their database by providing relevant information or simply a quick 'hello'.  This skill seems so obvious, and yet it's often dropped by the wayside in favour of 'what's new and what's next'.  Distractions are a Realtor's worst enemy and often result in a detrimental loss of focus

example A:   'I should have contacted my database this month, but I was just too busy running with my Buyers.'  That distraction (note I've chosen a kinder word than 'excuse'?) doesn't cut it - database loyalty is a two-way street, and you can't afford to drop the 'regular contact' ball so make the time.

example B:  'The market/economy has been so slow lately - I have nothing to tell my clients so I'll wait for some positive...'  What?!!!  there is always something positive to say, whether it's a projection for the future, a good Buyers' market, or just a hello - MAKE CONTACT

They say that in any situation if you feel overwelmed, it's always best to go back to basics.  Well, these are the basics, how about just never deviating from them?? - think about how powerful that could be - how focussed and unflappable you would feel.  Take control of your business today - pick 2 or 3 things and do them consistently despite the 'Distractions' which will always come up wearing different disguises.

Speaking as someone known to be 'easily distracted' focus can be accomplished using baby steps.
It's progress not perfection - But.... you do have to TAKE THAT FIRST STEP - Loyal Clients are yours for the nurturing.

Corrie

Enough already! The new HST is confusing to the Consumer!

The new Harmonized sales tax comes into effect July 1st.  Essentially, it will mirror all things that used to be GST applicable as well as a few other items that previously weren't.  Whether I agree with the tax is really a mute point - what concerns me, is that the general public seems to misunderstand how the HST applies to a real estate transaction.  Over the last 4 weeks our market has slowed somewhat - yes, there are still multiple offers coming in on well priced homes and certainly the real estate market did heat up sooner this year as compared to last year BUT... Buyers seem to want to wait until 'this whole HST thing settles' before they go house hunting.  When pressed as to why they feel they should wait, it becomes apparent that they feel the HST will be tacked onto the entire purchase price of the home. NOT SO! on a residential resale home, the HST only applies to the commissions payable by (usually the Seller) as well as the legal fees, any home inspections, surveys or other services.

Knowledge is Power...
What can the current HST misunderstandings mean to a Seller?  Certainly a little frustration, since we seem to have some timid Buyers out there.  But shrewd Buyers who are clear on the HST implications and therefore actively looking for a home to buy - have the advantage of avoiding major competition among numerous Buyers.  If you are currently working with Buyers OR have some 'on the fence' - educate them NOW and encourage them to take advantage of this knowledge.

Our industry will always present us with unique challenges - the key is that successful agents use these challenges as a means to leverage more business by keeping their Clients and potential Clients educated.

I encourage you to use the HST information as a reason to contact and educate your clients.

Happy Selling
Corrie

Reconnecting with your past clients - creating a Valentine's Day 'do-over'

I have a theory about why Valentine's Day is such a well-celebrated holiday (aside from the obvious commercialization).

Some (many) people forget to let those special people in their lives know how much they are valued and loved.  Let's face it - time goes by, and after long lapses any mention of 'appreciation' would just sound corny, lame, insincere or perhaps reek of alterior motives.  But... thanks to Valentine's Day the forgetful masses get a 'do over', an annual chance to refill their special someone's emotional bank account (and perhaps be allowed out of the proverbial doghouse for a while).

Forgetting to show appreciation can also happen to your past-client database.  Are you keeping in touch? Are you remembering to tell them how much you appreciated their past business, and reminding them that they can refer friends and family to you confidently?  These people are your fans - they chose you and you did a great job for them - don't pass up a chance to touch base with them regularly!

If you're apprehensive about reconnecting because of the long time that has passed since last contact (ie: V-day) create your own reason for touching base!  Choose a holiday like Mother's Day, or a seasonal change like spring gardening.  You can also send a note along the lines of 'Happy Anniversary You've enjoyed your home for 3 Years' - you get the picture.

Create a reason for contacting your clients initially, and once you've reconnected, keep that contact part of your routine.  Referral business from these folks will happen if you take some time regularly to show you care.

Corrie 

Social Media Tips and 'Traps'

Okaaaaay!  I keep talking about Social Media and how it should be a legitimate piece of your business plan - today! now! yesterday! jump in!

Here are some valuable and practical Tips on how to avoid letting this destroy the business you've already created, and how to avoid spending too much of your valuable time in this vast arena.

Remember: A Social Media presence can be accomplished using Baby Steps - and is well worth the effort

Corrie

Courtesy of RE/MAX MainStreet

Dealing with Setbacks - Awesome Advice!

January 19, 2010 Many of our RE/MAX chay realty inc. Sales Representatives and Brokers attended the The RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Annual Sales Rally in Toronto and were revitalized by keynote speaker Tom Ferry - His energetic and passionate explanation of the convergence of social media gave all of us new ideas and ways of inexpensively increasing our exposure to the market.


Ironically, this clip was filmed the day after the conference  and doesn't address social media but rather how to handle setbacks -whether in business or life.


I absolutely love this guy's attitude!

Enjoy!

http://blog.yourcoach.com/dealing-setbacks-3-steps/
   

RE/MAX chay realty inc. Annual Breakfast Awards Meeting, January 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDIXUxPUFaI

Here's a clip from the RE/MAX chay realty inc. Annual General Meeting held at Tangle Creek for the agents from our Barrie, Borden, Angus, Innisfil, Alliston and Tottenham offices.  Those attending enjoyed a hot breakfast while a multitude of awards were handed out to RE/MAX chay's top producing agents from 2009.  Our Market Statistics were reviewed, as well as the new services available to enhance productivity for RE/MAX chay realty agents in 2010.  Our much anticipated corporate website was unveiled together with a demonstration of the LoneWolf agent interactive front end system.

2010 will be an exciting year for us, as we continue to be the dominant leaders in our local marketplace (as well as nationally of course).

Corrie

Social Media is essential to Today's Consumer

If you are reading this blog it suggests that you are part of a social shift in the way businesses (including RE/MAX chay realty inc.) are successfully building relationships with their clients in the real estate market.

Social Media is a buzzword encapsulating both the power of the internet (its related connectivity products such as PDA's) and society's increasing need to communicate instantaneously.  Simply put, companies who can accomodate the speed of response expected by their potential clients - will win the business.  This is not a business model for the future - This is now......

The transparency, and vast quantity of information available to us on the world wide web is staggering - those who can successfully sort and package the information for their clients into meaningful and relevant data will win the business 

As a Professional RE/MAX chay Sales Representative or Broker are you able to present your clients with consistent, useful, and relevant information?  Are you adding value to their real estate experience?  The vast majority of the market today expects this. Use the data available to you as a Realtor, and present it in a meaningful way - make it your goal to excel at presenting your information using social media.  

Click the link below to see how RE/MAX International presents us, (their RE/MAX chay customers) with vital reminders of what our focuses as professionals should be. You'll notice that the message is delivered by UTube one of the most prolific conveyors of social media.

Those of you currently 'on the fence' about the value of social media will definitely benefit!

Enjoy,

Corrie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ahrQpeBNjw

4 Lessons that will enhance your life and increase your productivity

Yesterday 37 of our RE/MAX chay realty Sales Reps. attended the annual Sales Rally hosted by RE/MAX Ontario Atlantic.  The 2 day event welcomed over 5000 people and included keynote speakers specializing in teaching, motivating, and especially challenging us all to become better (Keep in mind, RE/MAX agents are already collectively  recognized as being the best at in our industry so the momentum generated from our Sales Rallys tend to be staggering.)

At any rate, one of the guest speakers, Tom Ferry delivered a message about 'Becoming the Person Who Can Have it All'.  What interested me most was his advice about avoiding the 4 Addictions.  In my role as a 'problem solving' Broker I've witnessed his truths many times.

Avoiding these 4 Addictions will increase your productivity (of course these readily apply to life as well)

1.  Avoid the addiction to the opinions of other people
     the agent with the full page ads, flashy car and negative bank balance comes to mind

2.  Avoid addiction to drama
     take the 'no drama challenge' in 2010 and simply see things as they are

3.  Avoid addiction to the past
     this happens because the past is safe, "I remember when.."  Embrace change - embrace the future

4.  Avoid the addiction to worry
     waking in the night with worry, won't solve the next day's problem - get some sleep so you can
     think clearly in the morning.  Always try to take things in stride with a level view.

I think you'll agree that these 4 simple rules can certainly be applied to everyday life.  I encourage you to keep these within your sights on a daily basis as a gentle reminder or perhaps a refocus tool. 


   
  

Welcome

Welcome to the first RE/MAX chay blog for 2010!  My goal is to make the content interesting, relevent and hopefully leave you with some useful information you can use.  Watch for articles, photos and tidbits peppered with my comments.  I welcome any input you may have and would enjoy any content you feel would be helpful for me to post (guest blog always welcome).  This medium is a new one for me, but they say 'change is good' right?  With this in mind, I encourage each of you to conquer (learn to do) something you've been putting off.  Make 'Progress not Perfection' your mantra for 2010 - the payoff will be great!